Apply to become a volunteer
You can view all of our current volunteer opportunities below. Then, create an account and submit your application to volunteer at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in our volunteer portal.
Have questions? View answers to common questions about volunteering at Penn Medicine.
Current volunteers
Log in to the volunteer portal to view your schedule, sign up for training or new positions, or update your profile.
Volunteer opportunities at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
There are several positions available for qualified candidates, including:
- Epidemiology auditors work with the Infection Prevention Department to help audit hand hygiene practices in patient care units. Two-hour shifts are available Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Volunteers must commit to at least two shifts each month for three months.
- Oncology Comfort Cart volunteers support patients and their families with companionship, listening, and activities. Volunteers must have great communication skills and be comfortable working with patients and their families. Commitment is one two-hour shift per week, Monday to Friday.
- Family Caregiver Center volunteers offer emotional support and active listening to caregivers with loved ones in the hospital. They help with internet searches, resources, escorts to hospital locations, and more. Commitment is one four-hour shift per week, Monday to Friday.
- Patient & Family Advisors participate in quality improvement initiatives and help evaluate hospital programs and projects. Volunteers must have been patients or caregivers at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Volunteers are expected to attend meetings on the first Wednesday evening of each month.
- HUP’s Pups invites handlers and their certified therapy dog to visit patients and staff. Volunteers must have their own certified therapy dog and be available for at least one shift per month.
- Welcome Desk Support greets people entering the hospital, escorts visitors, and delivers flowers and gifts. This position requires high mobility and the ability to stand or walk for much of the shift. Volunteers must commit to one shift per week for six months from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Food Pantry volunteers at HUP Cedar organize and stock the food pantry serving patients and visitors at the HUP location at 54th St. and Cedar Avenue. Volunteers will be active throughout their shift bagging groceries, stocking shelves, and carrying boxes. Commitment is one shift per month on Wednesday mornings.
Contact Volunteer Services
If you have any questions, call the Department of Volunteer Services at 215-662-2576 or email HUP.Volunteer@uphs.upenn.edu.